Architecture has a way of transforming a place, which was one of the main goals for the new Belfort sports center in France. Located in a former defensive fort area, the 1,163 square meter facility was designed by <a href="http://archi5.fr">Archi5</a> as an "urban catalyst" in a transitional zone of the city. And it has something of an eco-ethos too given its <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-roof/">large green roof</a> and dynamic, light-permitting translucent facade.

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Belfort Sports Center by Archi5

The Belfort sports center in France is topped with a massive green roof

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Belfort Sports Center by Archi5

Designed as an urban catalyst, the center hosts sporting and other activities

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Belfort Sports Center by Archi5

The dynamic translucent facade permits plenty of daylighting

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Belfort Sports Center by Archi5

At night the building lights up - like a beacon for a lighthouse

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Belfort Sports Center by Archi5

Natural light slashes the daytime energy load

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Belfort Sports Center by Archi5

The building is tucked into the hillside

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Belfort Sports Center by Archi5

Architecture has a way of transforming a place, which was one of the main goals for the new Belfort sports center in France. Located in a former defensive fort area, the 1,163 square meter facility was designed by Archi5 as an "urban catalyst" in a transitional zone of the city. And it has something of an eco-ethos too given its large green roof and dynamic, light-permitting translucent facade.